A method for protecting a data entry device from eavesdropping includes
masking a signature of entry resulting from entry of data by a user of
the data entry device so as to reduce the detectability of the signature
by eavesdropping. The signature may include a temperature differential in
the data entry device from data entry by the user and the masking may
include controlling the external temperature of the data entry device to
reduce temperature differentials left in the data entry device by the
user. Alternatively, the signature may include sound waves emitted from
the data entry device and the masking may include masking sound waves
emitted from the data entry device to reduce the detectability of the
sound waves. A system may also be employed for protecting data entry to a
data entry device from eavesdropping. The system includes a data entry
device and means for masking a signature of entry resulting from entry of
data by a user of the data entry device so as to reduce the detectability
of the signature by eavesdropping.